I started covering Afghanistan in 2004. Ever since, I’ve seen the U.S. war effort in all its complications. I’m still trying ... moreI started covering Afghanistan in 2004. Ever since, I’ve seen the U.S. war effort in all its complications. I’m still trying to figure out if it was worth the sacrifices and costs.

Defense News reports that Congressional leaders hope to draft a compromise House-Senate conference report on the National Def... moreDefense News reports that Congressional leaders hope to draft a compromise House-Senate conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act [“NDAA”], the bill that funds the Pentagon and its contractors, by September 19. A bipartisan group of Sena...

Iraqi parliamentary Shiite leaders in the Fatah Movement political party on Monday issued a statement calling weekend airstri... moreIraqi parliamentary Shiite leaders in the Fatah Movement political party on Monday issued a statement calling weekend airstrikes allegedly carried out by the Israeli military in western Iraq tantamount to a "declaration of war." Journalist Rania Khalek sa...

After years covering the "main battlefield in World War III," says everything you think you know is wrong. Having witnessed t... moreAfter years covering the "main battlefield in World War III," says everything you think you know is wrong. Having witnessed the Syrian war from start to finish, she now casts it in a usefully broad context. “The Syrian conflict constitutes the main battle...

Middle East correspondent Narwani sees a new era emerging in Asia, while Trump, Pompeo and Bolton bluster. In part one of my... moreMiddle East correspondent Narwani sees a new era emerging in Asia, while Trump, Pompeo and Bolton bluster. In part one of my exchange with Sharmine Narwani, the Beirut-based correspondent dissected the just-ended Syrian conflict as one of the very few jo...

In Afghanistan, a series of bomb attacks devastated restaurants and other public spaces Monday in the eastern city of Jalalab... moreIn Afghanistan, a series of bomb attacks devastated restaurants and other public spaces Monday in the eastern city of Jalalabad, injuring at least 66 people. The explosions took place on Afghanistan’s 100th Independence Day, following Saturday’s bloody su...

Despite tense rhetoric and recent missile tests, the U.S. and North Korea are still tentatively planning for more talks this ... moreDespite tense rhetoric and recent missile tests, the U.S. and North Korea are still tentatively planning for more talks this summer following Trump’s spontaneous meeting with Kim Jong Un. Time, however, is not on the side of negotiators regardless of Trum...

Nuclear experts and peace advocates on Friday shared their heightened concerns about a new arms race as the Trump administrat... moreNuclear experts and peace advocates on Friday shared their heightened concerns about a new arms race as the Trump administration officially withdrew from a landmark treaty with Russia that was signed by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leade...

The right-wing billionaire has teamed up with unlikely ally George Soros on “military restraint,” but Koch Industries subsidi... moreThe right-wing billionaire has teamed up with unlikely ally George Soros on “military restraint,” but Koch Industries subsidiaries make millions by supplying the Navy with circuitry.